Inside The Bills

The NFL Scouting Combine is underway in Indianapolis. But the most visible part of the combine, the on field workouts, is still a few days away.

The first group to arrive in Indy, offensive linemen and tight ends, will go through a day or two of medical testing and interviews before they hit the weight room Friday. And that group will be first on the field Saturday, for running, jumping and agility drills–the visible part of the combine televised by the NFL Network.

Bills Assistant GM Doug Whaley says the medical tests and interviews are the most valuable part of the combine for scouts. But in an appearance on The John Murphy Show from the Combine Wednesday night, Whaley said his scouts will also pay close attention to the workouts on field.

“Especially with the running, we like to take personal ownership of the times,” Whaley said. “What did you get? We always feel a little better with your own personal time.”

Whaley told host John Murphy Bills scouts and coaches will eyeball the workouts first hand, from the stands at Lucas Oil Stadium starting Saturday. And even though the times and results are measured, there’s value in watching the actual workouts.

“When we’re scouting, we’re scouting to see how they do what they do. If we’re looking at receivers, are they able to drop their hips coming in and out of breaks? Are they hand-catchers? Do they catch with the body? Offensive linemen—can they mirror guys? How’s their lateral movement? Defensive linemen—how’s their feet? Defensive backs—hip quickness and tightness. So, you’re just looking at how they do those drills. And a lot of it is subjective.”

And the Bills Assistant GM had advice for Bills fans when they watch the combine workouts later this week.

“I would advise them to not put too much stock into the times,” Whaley said. “Obviously you want to know, but look at how they go through those drills. Look at the nuances of each position and each drill. You’ll be able to see-this guys a little bit better at this that that guy, and vice versa. That will help you formulate your opinion on the player, along with what you saw last fall.”

The entire interview with Doug Whaley is available at BuffaloBills.com/johnmurphyshow